Liverpool vs Como: Match Preview, Predictions and Betting Tips
Published on Friday, 14 August 2026 by Steve
Liverpool vs Como 1907
World - Club Friendly Prediction & Betting Tips
Match Overview
Watch all of the best angles of Alexander Isak's superb strike from outside of the area against Liverpool in the Premier League.
Liverpool enter the 2026/27 campaign under new management as Andoni Iraola takes the reins at Anfield, and the Basque tactician will use this final pre-season friendly against Serie A surprise package Como 1907 to fine-tune his system before the Premier League opener at Newcastle. The Reds have endured a mixed summer tour across the United States, registering victories over Sunderland and Wrexham but suffering disappointing reverses against Leeds United and AS Monaco at Anfield. With just days remaining before the competitive action begins, Iraola needs a convincing performance to instill confidence among supporters who have watched a transitional squad take shape following the departures of several legendary figures. Fans looking for the latest prediction football today will find this fixture particularly intriguing as two contrasting footballing philosophies collide on Merseyside.
Como 1907 arrive on Merseyside as one of Italian football's most captivating stories, having secured an astonishing fourth-place finish in Serie A last season under Cesc Fàbregas to qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the club's 119-year history. Backed by the Hartono brothers' Djarum Group and boasting minority shareholders including Fàbregas himself and Thierry Henry, the Lombardy club have transformed from lower-league strugglers into European contenders within a remarkably short timeframe. This fixture represents uncharted territory for I Lariani, who have never previously faced Liverpool in any competition, making the occasion a historic milestone for the blue-and-whites. Those tracking the football match schedule will note that this represents one of the most compelling pre-season fixtures anywhere in Europe this summer.
The match holds particular significance for both managers as they finalize their tactical blueprints ahead of demanding campaigns. Iraola is expected to deploy his strongest available XI for the evening kick-off at Anfield, using the behind-closed-doors morning fixture to blood academy prospects and fringe players. Fàbregas, meanwhile, faces the delicate balancing act of preparing his squad for a maiden Champions League campaign while managing the fitness of key assets such as Nico Paz, Álvaro Morata and Maxence Caqueret. With Anfield's famous atmosphere providing the backdrop, this promises to be an intriguing clash of styles between English and Italian football tactics that have evolved dramatically in recent seasons.
Tactical Preview
Alvaro Morata fumes at VAR over late Como red card as ex-Real Madrid defender Jacobo Ramon's sending off forces Serie A side to settle for a draw | Goal.com
Formation & Key Matchups
Liverpool 4-3-3
Iraola has imported the high-octane, vertically oriented 4-3-3 system that served him well at Bournemouth, demanding relentless pressing from the front three and rapid transitions through midfield. The Spaniard favors a high defensive line with full-backs pushed aggressively into the final third, creating overloads in wide areas. Against Como's possession-based approach, Liverpool will look to disrupt the Italians' build-up patterns through intense counter-pressing, with the midfield trio tasked with winning second balls and feeding the forward line quickly. The system requires exceptional fitness levels and positional discipline, qualities Iraola has been drilling throughout pre-season. This approach draws inspiration from the total football tactics that have influenced modern coaching across Europe.
Como 1907 4-2-3-1
Fàbregas has instilled a possession-dominant philosophy at Como, utilizing a fluid 4-2-3-1 that morphs into a 3-4-3 in possession as one full-back inverts into midfield. The system relies heavily on Nico Paz's creative genius in the number ten role, with Álvaro Morata providing intelligent movement as the focal point. Maxence Caqueret and Máximo Perrone form a double pivot designed to recycle possession and protect the back four against transitions. Against Liverpool's aggressive pressing, Como's center-backs will need exceptional composure on the ball, while goalkeeper Jean Butez must act as a sweeper-keeper to evade the Reds' high press. The role of the deep-lying forward will be crucial in linking Como's midfield and attack against Liverpool's compact defensive block.
Critical Vulnerability
Como's commitment to playing out from the back could prove catastrophic against Liverpool's relentless counter-press. If Iraola's forwards successfully trap the Italian side's center-backs in deep positions, turnovers in dangerous areas are inevitable. Conversely, Liverpool's high defensive line leaves vast spaces in behind for Morata and the pace of Assane Diao to exploit, particularly if Como's midfielders can bypass the first wave of pressure with vertical passing. These tactical nuances are precisely why modern metrics have become essential in analyzing pre-season fixtures where systems are still being refined.
Team News & Squad Status
Liverpool 🔴
- Alexander Isak is expected to lead the line after arriving from Newcastle in a blockbuster summer move
- Florian Wirtz has impressed in pre-season and should start in an advanced midfield role
- Ronald Araujo is likely to partner Virgil van Dijk at center-back after joining on loan from Barcelona
- Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez are set to operate as attacking full-backs in Iraola's system
- Hugo Ekitike remains sidelined with a thigh injury sustained in training last week
- Joe Gomez is unavailable due to a long-term knee injury that requires surgery
- Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa are pushing for starting berths after strong pre-season showings
- New signing Victor Munoz could feature from the bench as Iraola assesses his match fitness
Como 1907 🔵
- Nico Paz returns to the squad after missing the final Serie A fixtures through suspension
- Álvaro Morata is fit and available after a minor knock sustained in the Como Cup
- Maxence Caqueret has recovered from a calf issue and should start in central midfield
- Trevoh Chalobah is in contention following his big-money move from Chelsea this summer
- Yan Couto and Kaiki Bruno are expected to feature in the full-back positions
- Martin Baturina has shaken off a hamstring complaint and trained fully this week
- Jean Butez is confirmed as the starting goalkeeper after joining from Royal Antwerp
- Youngster Mattia Liberali is pushing for minutes after standout performances in pre-season
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool 3-1 Yokohama FM: Florian Wirtz scores as Reds come from behind to cap pre-season tour with victory | The Standard
| Liverpool 4-3-3 | Como 1907 4-2-3-1 |
|---|---|
| Alisson Becker (GK) | Jean Butez (GK) |
| Jeremie Frimpong (RB) | Yan Couto (RB) |
| Ronald Araujo (CB) | Trevoh Chalobah (CB) |
| Virgil van Dijk (CB) | Marc-Oliver Kempf (CB) |
| Milos Kerkez (LB) | Álex Valle (LB) |
| Ryan Gravenberch (CM) | Maxence Caqueret (DM) |
| Dominik Szoboszlai (CM) | Máximo Perrone (DM) |
| Florian Wirtz (AM) | Martin Baturina (AM) |
| Victor Munoz (RW) | Nicolas Kühn (RW) |
| Alexander Isak (ST) | Álvaro Morata (ST) |
| Cody Gakpo (LW) | Nico Paz (LW) |
Head-to-Head Record
Nico Paz Scores the Winner | Como 1907 Official Site
This fixture marks the first ever competitive or friendly meeting between Liverpool and Como 1907, making it a historic occasion for both clubs. The Italian side, founded in 1907, have never previously crossed paths with the six-time European champions, and their visit to Anfield represents the pinnacle of their remarkable resurgence under ambitious ownership. Liverpool, meanwhile, have faced Italian opposition on 56 previous occasions in European competition, recording 24 victories, 14 draws and 18 defeats against Serie A clubs. The Reds' pedigree in these encounters includes memorable triumphs over AC Milan, Inter and Juventus, though recent history has seen mixed results against tactically sophisticated Italian sides. For context on elite European competition, readers can explore how many Champions League titles Arsenal have won as a benchmark of English success on the continent.
While there is no direct head-to-head record to analyze, Liverpool's recent form in pre-season friendlies against continental opposition offers some insight. The Reds suffered a 2-1 defeat to AS Monaco in their most recent Anfield friendly on August 9, 2026, raising questions about their defensive organization under Iraola. Como, by contrast, have been active in their own pre-season programme, drawing 2-2 with Paris FC and defeating Al-Ula 3-1 in the Como Cup before losing to Villarreal on penalties. These results suggest Fàbregas's side are still finding their rhythm ahead of a demanding campaign. For comprehensive updates on how both teams have performed in their warm-up fixtures, consult our football results service which tracks pre-season outcomes across all major leagues.
Key Players Comparison
Alexander Isak
Liverpool's marquee summer signing has looked sharp in pre-season, with his intelligent movement and clinical finishing making him the focal point of Iraola's attack.
Nico Paz
The Argentine playmaker was Como's Player of the Year last season and possesses the vision and technique to unlock even the most organized defenses.
Florian Wirtz
Operating almost as a second striker in pre-season, the German international has been Liverpool's most creative force during the summer tour.
Álvaro Morata
The experienced Spanish forward brings Champions League pedigree and intelligent link-up play to Como's front line.
The individual battles across the pitch will likely determine the outcome of this encounter. Alexander Isak's movement against Marc-Oliver Kempf and Edoardo Goldaniga will be fascinating to watch, as the Swedish striker looks to exploit any gaps between Como's center-backs with his clever runs in behind. In midfield, the duel between Dominik Szoboszlai and Maxence Caqueret could prove decisive, with both players possessing the engine and technical quality to dominate transitional moments. Out wide, the pace of Jeremie Frimpong against Álex Valle's defensive discipline will test Como's ability to contain Liverpool's overlapping threats. Perhaps most intriguingly, Nico Paz versus Ronald Araujo represents a clash of South American talents at opposite ends of their careers, with the young Argentine's creativity pitted against the Uruguayan's physicality and reading of the game. These matchups exemplify why the world's best footballers are defined by their ability to win these micro-battles within the broader contest.
The Managers
Andoni Iraola
Andoni Iraola arrives at Anfield with a burgeoning reputation as one of Europe's most progressive young coaches, having transformed Bournemouth into an attacking force in the Premier League before accepting the Liverpool challenge. The 38-year-old Basque coach replaces Arne Slot, who was dismissed following a disappointing 2025/26 campaign that saw the Reds finish fourth despite high expectations. Iraola's philosophy centers on high-intensity pressing, vertical passing and aggressive full-back play, drawing comparisons to the early Jurgen Klopp era at Liverpool when the German transformed the club into a relentless pressing machine.
The Spaniard faces a significant rebuilding job at Anfield, with the departures of Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konate and Luis Diaz stripping the squad of several core performers. However, Iraola has been backed in the transfer market with the acquisitions of Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Victor Munoz and Ronald Araujo, suggesting a clear vision for the team's evolution. The pre-season results have been mixed, but Iraola has emphasized process over outcomes, using each fixture to instill his tactical principles. Against Como, supporters will expect to see a more cohesive performance as the manager finally fields what approximates his strongest available XI. Our Premier League odds analysis suggests Iraola's impact could be immediate if his system clicks from the opening weekend.
Cesc Fàbregas
Cesc Fàbregas has orchestrated one of the most remarkable managerial ascents in recent European football, guiding Como from Serie B obscurity to Champions League qualification in just three years. The former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder took charge in November 2023 and has since implemented a possession-based philosophy that maximizes the technical qualities of his squad. Under the ownership of Indonesia's Hartono brothers, Como have become the richest club in Italian football, allowing Fàbregas to attract high-caliber talents such as Morata, Caqueret and Paz. His journey from player to elite coach mirrors the career paths of other big six managers who have successfully transitioned from the pitch to the dugout.
At 39, Fàbregas represents a new generation of tactically astute coaches who combine playing experience with innovative ideas. His decision to remain at Como for the 2026/27 season, rejecting interest from Chelsea in the process, demonstrates his commitment to completing the project he started. The Champions League debutants face a daunting schedule this season, juggling domestic commitments with Europe's elite competition, making squad rotation essential. The Liverpool friendly provides an invaluable opportunity to test his system against Premier League opposition and assess which players are ready for the step up in class that awaits in the group stage. As the football world turns its attention toward the World Cup 2026, Fàbregas will be hoping several of his players use this platform to force their way into national team consideration.
Betting Predictions & Tips
Odds: 1.35
Liverpool's superior squad depth, home advantage and the fact Iraola is expected to field his strongest XI make the Reds overwhelming favorites for this friendly. While Como have impressed in Serie A, the step up in quality against a Premier League side at Anfield should prove significant. The odds reflect Liverpool's dominance in pre-season fixtures at home, where they have historically performed well even during transitional periods. For those seeking a reliable banker of the day, this represents one of the safest options on the board, with Liverpool's quality expected to shine through over ninety minutes.
Odds: 1.72
Both teams favor attacking philosophies that should produce an entertaining spectacle. Iraola's high-pressing approach generates numerous goal-scoring opportunities, while Fàbregas's possession-based system creates chances through patient build-up. Liverpool's defensive vulnerabilities were exposed against Monaco, and Como possess the creative quality to find the net at Anfield. Our over-under prediction models suggest this market offers excellent value, with the attacking talent on display likely to produce a goal-filled encounter that entertains the Anfield faithful.
Odds: 1.95
Despite Liverpool's status as favorites, Como's attacking arsenal featuring Morata, Paz and Kühn possesses sufficient quality to breach the Reds' backline. Liverpool's high defensive line, a hallmark of Iraola's system, leaves space in behind that clever movement can exploit. Meanwhile, Liverpool's front three of Isak, Wirtz and Gakpo should have too much for Como's defense. This GG/NG market selection aligns with our expectation of an open, end-to-end contest where both goalkeepers will be tested repeatedly throughout the ninety minutes.
Odds: 1.85
The Swedish striker has been Liverpool's most dangerous attacker throughout pre-season, and his intelligent movement and clinical finishing make him the most likely goalscorer in this fixture. Isak's ability to find space between defenders and his composure in front of goal suggest he will be heavily involved in Liverpool's attacking play. For sure win predictions enthusiasts looking for an anytime scorer market, Isak offers compelling value at these odds given his pre-season form and central role in Iraola's plans.
Odds: 9.50
Our predictive models point toward a 3-1 Liverpool victory, reflecting the Reds' attacking potency while acknowledging Como's ability to pose problems on the counter-attack. Liverpool should dominate possession and create numerous chances, but their high line may concede at least one goal to Como's technically gifted forwards. This correct score tip offers substantial returns for bettors willing to speculate on the exact outcome, with the 3-1 scoreline representing a realistic reflection of the gulf in class between the sides.
📊 Final Score Prediction
Match Analysis
Our final score prediction of 3-1 to Liverpool is based on a comprehensive analysis of both teams' pre-season form, tactical setups and squad quality. Iraola's side have shown flashes of brilliance in attack during the summer tour, with Wirtz and Isak developing an encouraging understanding in the final third. The Reds' pressing intensity should overwhelm Como's build-up play for sustained periods, leading to turnovers in dangerous positions. However, Liverpool's defensive transitions remain a work in progress, and Como's technically proficient attackers will likely capitalize on at least one lapse to register a historic goal at Anfield. For the most accurate fulltime prediction updates, our models consistently factor in these tactical mismatches when generating scoreline forecasts.
The predicted scoreline also accounts for the psychological factors at play. Liverpool need a confidence-boosting result before facing Newcastle in their Premier League opener, while Como can approach this fixture with freedom, knowing the result carries no competitive consequence. This dynamic should produce an open game where Liverpool's superior athleticism and squad depth ultimately tell. For those consulting our prediction football today service, the 3-1 verdict represents our highest-confidence selection for this fixture, combining statistical modeling with qualitative tactical assessment.
Key Insights & Statistics
- Liverpool have won 14 of their last 18 pre-season friendlies at Anfield, drawing three and losing just one
- Como conceded 47 goals in 38 Serie A matches last season, averaging 1.24 goals against per game
- Alexander Isak has scored four goals in five pre-season appearances for Liverpool this summer
- Nico Paz contributed 12 goals and 9 assists for Como in Serie A during the 2025/26 campaign
- Liverpool's average expected goals (xG) in pre-season stands at 2.1 per match under Iraola
- Como have kept just one clean sheet in their last seven friendly matches across all competitions
- The Reds have scored in 47 consecutive home matches at Anfield across all competitions
- Álvaro Morata has netted 8 goals in his last 10 appearances against English opposition
- Liverpool's new-look defense featuring Araujo and van Dijk has yet to keep a clean sheet in pre-season
- Como's possession average of 58.3% in Serie A last season was the third-highest in the division
- The match represents Como's first ever visit to England in their 119-year history
- Iraola has used 32 different players across Liverpool's six pre-season fixtures this summer
Conclusion
This historic first meeting between Liverpool and Como 1907 promises to be an entertaining curtain-raiser for both clubs' 2026/27 campaigns. While the result holds no competitive significance, the psychological impact of a strong performance could prove invaluable as Iraola and Fàbregas finalize their preparations for demanding domestic and European schedules. Liverpool's superior quality, home advantage and the expected deployment of a near-full-strength XI make them clear favorites, but Como's technical proficiency and fearless approach ensure they will not simply make up the numbers at Anfield. For cautious bettors, our double chance prediction options provide additional security when wagering on pre-season fixtures where rotation remains a possibility.
For bettors, the markets offer several avenues for value, with Liverpool's victory and the over 2.5 goals selection representing the most secure options. The correct score prediction of 3-1 reflects our belief that Liverpool's attacking firepower will prove decisive, while Como's creative talents will ensure the visitors leave their mark on the scoreboard. As always, we encourage responsible gambling and remind readers to consult our football betting mistakes to avoid guide and our comprehensive how to read betting odds tutorial before placing any wagers on this fixture.
Whether you are watching via live football stream or following our live scores updates, this fixture offers a fascinating glimpse into the tactical evolution of two clubs at very different stages of their development. From Liverpool's post-Klopp rebuild under Iraola to Como's fairytale rise under Fàbregas, the narratives surrounding this match ensure it will be remembered as more than just a routine pre-season friendly. We predict a 3-1 Liverpool victory, with goals, drama and tactical intrigue guaranteed at the iconic Anfield stadium.